System Requirements

FARSITE is math and data intensive. Your choice of hardware will strongly affect its performance time; a more powerful computer will always work better. FARSITE v4.1x is multi-threaded so it will take advantage of multiple processors.

Computer systems for running FARSITE v4.1x are listed below in Minimum, Recommended, and Performance categories. Note that Windows 95 no longer supports FARSITE v4.02 or later versions. Advances in computer technology will alter these every year, with performance systems always at the very top end of available hardware. The major criteria in choosing a system are:

• the user requirements in terms of the size, complexity, and duration of simulations, such as simulating crown fires, post-frontal combustion, large, or long duration fires,
• the need for obtaining the results quickly, and
• the degree to which the system can be dedicated to fire simulation (versus less intensive applications).

User Requirements

Users are responsible for supplying valid input, correctly interpreting FARSITE simulations, and understanding the assumptions and limitations of the models used in FARSITE.

Data Requirements

FARSITE uses spatial and tabular data, including a Landscape (.LCP) file, Initial Fuel Moistures (.FMS) file, as well as optional Custom Fuel Model (.FMD), Conversion (.CNV), Weather (.WTR), and Wind (.WND) files.

Raster map layers are required for:

• Elevation
• Slope
• Aspect
• Surface fuel model (1-13 or custom)
• Canopy cover

Optional raster themes for simulating spotting and crown fire include:

• Canopy height
• Crown base height
• Crown bulk density

Optional raster themes for simulating post-frontal combustion are:

• Coarse woody fuels
• Duff loading